When it comes to choosing the right fencing material for your property, two popular options often come to mind: composite fencing and vinyl fencing. Both types of fencing offer unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to carefully consider your needs and preferences before making a decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key factors to help you choose between these two popular fencing options.

Material

Composite fencing is designed to offer the benefits of both wood and plastic, such as durability, low maintenance, and an attractive appearance. There are two main categories of composite fencing: traditional composite fencing and capped composite fencing.

Traditional Composite fencing: Traditional composite fencing is made from a combination of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic. It is important distinction to note because that traditional composite fencing is uncapped.

Capped Composite Fencing: Capped composite fencing takes the concept of traditional composite fencing a step further by adding and additional protective layer or “cap” to the surface of the fence boards. The cap is usually made of a more durable and weather-resistant material, to enhance the overall performance and lifespan of the fence. The protective cap helps to protect the fence from fading, staining, and scratching.

Vinyl fencing: Vinyl fencing, also known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) fencing, is a type of synthetic fencing material made from rigid PVC resin.

Durability

Traditional Composite fencing: Composite fencing is known for its durability and long-lasting. Composite fencing can withstand harsh weather conditions, resist rot, decay, moisture damage, and insect infestation, but may be susceptible to fading and staining.

Capped Composite Fencing: Capped composite fencing has a “cover” that encased the composite core. While the cap provides added protection against the elements and everyday living. The outer layer, or “cap”, is often made of a protective material to enhance their resistance to fading, staining, and mold growth. So capped composite fencing claims to more durable and has better fade resistance than traditional uncapped composite fencing.

Vinyl fencing: Vinyl fencing is also durable and long-lasting. It is resistant to moisture, rot, and insects. However, they can become brittle over time when exposed to extreme cold or intense sunlight, increasing the risk of cracking or breaking.

Maintenance

Composite fencing: Composite fencing is low-maintenance. It does not require staining, painting, or sealing. It requires occasional cleaning with soap and water.

Capped composite fencing: Capped composite fencing is relatively low-maintenance as well. Occasional cleaning to prevent mold or mildew is usually sufficient. They do not need staining or sealing.

Vinyl fencing: Vinyl fencing is virtually maintenance-free. Occasional cleaning with soap and water is sufficient to keep it looking it best.

Aesthetics

Composite fencing: Composite fencing is available in a variety of colors and styles to complement any home’s exterior. It can be made to look like natural wood in color, texture, and grain patterns.

Capped composite fencing: Capped composite fencing closely mimic the appearance of wood, often with a textured finish. They provide a more natural and attractive look, with various color and style options.

Vinyl fencing: Vinyl fencing is also available in a variety of colors and styles, but may appear less natural compared to wood or composite fencing. Vinyl fencing typically has a more uniform appearance.

Cost

Composite fencing: Composite fencing is generally less expensive than capped composite fencing.

Capped Composite Fencing: Capped composite fencing is typically more expensive than other types of fencing, such as wood or vinyl fencing. It tends to have a higher initial cost but may offer cost savings over time due to its durability and reduced maintenance requirements.

Vinyl fencing: Vinyl fencing is typically less expensive than composite fencing. However, costs can vary depending on the quality and brand of the materials.

Environmental Impact

Composite fencing: both traditional composite fencing and capped composite fencing are made from recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood fibers and plastic. This makes it more sustainable option than vinyl fencing.

Vinyl fencing: Vinyl fencing is made from PVC, which is a non-renewable resource and can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.

Conclusion

Traditional composite fencing: Durable and affordable, but requires more maintenance than capped composite fencing and vinyl fencing.

Capped composite fencing: More durable, low-maintenance than traditional composite fencing and vinyl fencing, but more expensive. Both capped composite fencing and vinyl fencing are durable in most climates. However, capped composite fencing may be a better choice for areas with extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy snowfall. It is also good choice for homeowners who are concerned about the environmental impact of their fencing, as it is made from recycled materials.

Vinyl fencing: Durable, low-maintenance, and available in a variety of colors and styles, but not as durable as composite fencing.

Ultimately, the best choice for a particular application will depend on the individual’s needs and budget.

Feature	Traditional Composite Fencing	Capped Composite Fencing	Vinyl Fencing
Material:	Wood fibers and plastic	Wood fibers, plastic, and a protective cap	PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
Durability:	Durable, but may be susceptible to fading and staining	More durable than traditional composite fencing and vinyl fencing; resistant to rot, decay, moisture, insects, and UV fading	Durable and long-lasting; resistant to rot, decay, moisture, and insects, but can be susceptible to UV fading
Maintenance:	Requires regular cleaning	Requires minimal maintenance; occasional cleaning with soap and water is sufficient	Virtually maintenance-free; occasional cleaning with soap and water is sufficient
Aesthetics:	Natural wood-like appearance	More natural wood-like appearance than vinyl fencing; available in a variety of colors and styles	Available in a variety of colors and styles, but typically has a more uniform appearance than composite fencing
Cost:	Typically less expensive than capped composite fencing and vinyl fencing	More expensive than traditional composite fencing and vinyl fencing	Typically less expensive than capped composite fencing, but costs can vary depending on the quality and brand of the materials
Environmental Impact:	Made from recycled wood fibers and plastic, making it a more sustainable option	More environmentally friendly than vinyl fencing, made from recycled wood fibers and plastic	Made from PVC, which is non-renewable resource and can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly

Bongywood Capped Composite Fencing

Bongywood Wood Plastic Composite

Guangdong Bangying New Building Materials Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer specializing in the R&D, production, and sales of WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) materials, our products include composite decking, capped composite decking, WPC Wall Panel, WPC Railing & Fencing, WPC Pergola & Gazebo, WPC Chairs & Bench, WPC Flower Planter Pots, etc.